Artist in conversation: Jerome wright
Meet Jerome Wright, an African American painter who has been making waves in the national art scene. Since winning a four-month exhibition at the Charles Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Michigan, Jerome has caught the attention of art lovers across the country. In fact, Art Patron Magazine has already named him one of the artists to watch this year!
Jerome's art draws inspiration from notable figures in the African American art community, including the late Thurlow Tibbs, a prominent collector of African American paintings, and the late painter Texeira Nash, who served as a mentor to him. In his practice he merges the sacred and the profane, the abstract and figurative intelligently playing with the opposites.
Operating out of his studio in Lancaster, PA, Jerome's work has graced the walls of numerous prestigious venues. From the Charles De Muth Museum to The Ware Center in Lancaster, PA where he had a solo show of 45 works, his artistic brilliance is on display for all to see. His artwork isn't just limited to exhibitions. Many of his pieces have found homes in prominent private collections and commissions. Beyond painting, Jerome is also a respected portrait artist and professional cellist, adding another dimension to his artistic prowess.
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What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
Childhood abuse in homelife led me to self expression for I wanted to die. I experienced divine intervention and encouragement. I painted like a photograph until one day in an art class the instructor said he felt nothing as a human looking at my work for I was terrified of acceptance to share with others what was inside me. I came to the point where I finally decided it was ok to be my very own tree and grow and let my branches spread.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
I simply explore my feelings in reference to subject matter. My experiences in the moment as a human past and present always lead me to give my work it's life for the future.
How do you navigate the balance between depicting the sacred and the profane in your artwork, particularly in your abstract and figurative pieces on canvas and birch panel?
My navigation is by trial and error, construction and deconstruction. Canvas requires more effort for my subject matter to become alive. Finishing a work on birch requires much patience for me.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
Each and every work that I do is a challenge from start to finish. I am never satisfied and I revise according to what work asked of me at any period of its journey.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
At 70 years of age developments and trends in the art world are no longer a priory. The artist I am connected with are in multiple fields in the arts.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
With commissions I demand that my vision is and has the final word. As far as critics are concerned I learned to only listen to the positive comments and I never tell anyone how to look at my work for it is ok for them to see and feel what they feel for they will never decipher my very personal feelings about what they are looking at.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I stay motivated and inspired by painting each and every day despite the ebbs and flows of the creative process.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am honored that The Holy Art frankly likes my humble work submissions
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I hope to have a solo exhibition of my work in Europe, and continue to get my work in museum and private collections.